Kolb isn't worried about fans

ATLANTA - Dan Kolb claims not to have noticed the boos or catcalls directed at him in his first season with the Atlanta Braves.

Despite converting eight of nine save opportunities, Atlanta's closer has drawn the ire of fans because of control problems and three bad outings.

"I don't care, because I'm too mad at myself to worry about what anybody else thinks," Kolb said.

While he ignores the criticism, he still feels the pressure that comes with succeeding John Smoltz as Atlanta's closer. Smoltz, who moved back to the starting rotation this season after three years in the bullpen, averaged 48 saves per year in the closer's role, including a National League record 55 in 2002.

The Smoltz standard has been harder for Kolb to deal with than any negativity from the stands.

"With this team's reputation for winning, I don't think anybody wants to come here and be a part of them not continuing that," Kolb said. "And then there's John and the success he had at the position."

Smoltz intimidated and dominated the competition in his relief role. He came into games throwing hard and throwing strikes, issuing just 45 walks in 210 appearances as a closer.

Kolb has a contrasting style. His fastball reaches into the 90-mph range, but he relies heavily on his sinker.

He's struggled with the latter pitch early this season, walking 10 batters in 12 innings as a result.

He walked the first hitter he faced Wednesday during against the Marlins. That drew grumbling from the stands and a visit to the mound by pitching coach Leo Mazzone.

"Don't give in," Mazzone said he told Kolb. "You can't get those other pitches back. Concentrate on the next pitch."

Kolb retired the next three hitters for his eighth save of the season, which drew cheers - some mocking, some not - from the crowd.

Kolb has plenty of supporters in the Braves' clubhouse. Manager Bobby Cox points to his success - "How can you argue? He's eight of nine, isn't he?"- and Smoltz said fans should show patience with their new closer.

"He's only blown one save. I blew four every year," Smoltz said.

Smoltz added that fans will eventually connect with Kolb - not that Kolb will notice.

"As long as I get the job done, it doesn't matter," he said.

ANDRUW JONES SCRATCHED: A sore back sidelined center fielder Andrew Jones on Thursday marking the first game he's missed in 2005 because of injury.

Jones has started 26 of the Braves' 28 games this season. His only other missed start came against Washington on April 21 when he was mired in an 0-for-28 slump.

Jones is hitting .467 during the current homestand, and had a homer Wednesday.

Reach Adam Van Brimmer at adam.vanbrimmer@morris.com or (404) 589-8424.